Summary
A fully funded 36-month PhD opportunity is available at INSA Toulouse / Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, France, within the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network PRIME LEAP. The research will investigate the environmental performance of emerging low-fossil-carbon chemical pathways, with a particular focus on plasma–catalytic methane valorisation compared with fossil- and bio-based alternatives.
PhD Scholarship Opportunity – Environmental Performance of Low-Fossil-Carbon Chemical Pathways
The project offers an interdisciplinary research environment combining life cycle assessment (LCA), process engineering, plasma chemistry, catalysis, modelling, and industrial collaboration across Europe.
Designation
Doctoral Candidate / PhD Researcher – PRIME LEAP DC11
Research Area
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Sustainable Chemical Processes
- Environmental Performance Assessment
- Plasma–Catalytic Methane Valorisation
- Process Engineering
- Industrial Ecology
- Chemical Engineering
- Plasma Chemistry and Catalysis
- Prospective LCA and Modelling
- Low-Fossil-Carbon Chemical Pathways
Location
INSA Toulouse / Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, Toulouse, France
Duration: 36 months
Programme: Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network – PRIME LEAP
Mobility: MSCA mobility rules apply
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:
- Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Ecology, Energy Systems, Applied Chemistry, Applied Physics, Materials Science, A closely related discipline
- Strong motivation to pursue interdisciplinary doctoral research.
- Interest in sustainability science and emerging industrial technologies.
- Curiosity, scientific rigour, and willingness to learn.
Desirable Skills
Previous experience with any of the following would be an advantage:
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Prospective modelling
- Python
- Brightway
- openLCA
- ecoinvent
- Uncertainty analysis
- Process modelling
Prior experience in all these areas is not mandatory; motivation and willingness to develop new skills are also highly valued.
Job Description
The selected PhD researcher will work on the project:
“Drivers of Environmental Performance in Low-Fossil-Carbon Chemical Pathways: Prospective LCA Methods to Compare Plasma–Catalytic Methane Valorisation with Fossil and Bio-Based Alternatives.”
The research will focus on developing and applying rigorous prospective Life Cycle Assessment methods to evaluate emerging chemical technologies and compare their environmental performance with conventional fossil-based and bio-based alternatives.
The doctoral researcher will work within the interdisciplinary PRIME LEAP network, collaborating with researchers and industrial partners across Europe. The project brings together expertise in:
- Life cycle assessment
- Process engineering
- Plasma chemistry
- Catalysis
- Computational modelling
- Sustainability science
- Industrial chemical processes
The research provides an opportunity to contribute to the assessment and development of next-generation intensified chemical processes integrating plasma and single-atom catalysis.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application by email to:
Email subject: PRIME-LEAP DC11 application
Applicants should consult the official/enclosed project documentation for the complete application requirements and required supporting documents.
Last Date to Apply
30 August 2026
Applications received by 30 August 2026 will be guaranteed full consideration.
Key Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Doctoral Candidate / PhD Researcher |
| Project | PRIME LEAP DC11 |
| Host Institution | INSA Toulouse / Toulouse Biotechnology Institute |
| Country | France |
| Duration | 36 months |
| Programme | Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network |
| Research Focus | Prospective LCA of plasma–catalytic methane valorisation |
| Degree Required | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| MSCA Mobility | Applicable |
| Application | |
| hamelin@insa-toulouse.fr | |
| Deadline | 30 August 2026 |
Note: Applicants should verify the complete eligibility, MSCA mobility requirements, funding details, and application-document requirements in the official call documentation before applying.
